German Shepherd Dog Breed Information and Photos

The German Shepherd is a large dog with a very distinct look. They are perhaps most famous for being working dogs that spend time training with different levels of law enforcement. They are naturally strong and muscular, sturdy and elongated. They are solid dogs that have a slightly rounded forehead and black nose. These dogs have wide ears with pointed tips that are upright and often turned forward. Unless a puppy is six months or younger, this is the norm; otherwise the ears droop just a bit as a small puppy, but this will correct itself as the dog grows older. Bushy tails hang down when German Shepherds are resting, and these are dogs with very sturdy thighs.

German Shepherds come in three different forms; double coat, plush coat and long haired. Most of them are black and tan, though some are all black and few are white or even a shade of blue. However, anything other than tan and black is considered a fault and will not be permitted at a show. These dogs are not very large, but they are big dogs so they are classified as large dogs. However, they are not classified as extra large animals.

Like their name suggests, the German shepherd originates from Germany. This is a dog that breeders trained to work in strenuous, labor-intensive fields, and many continue to do this today. These intelligent dogs were trained for many years as police dogs and military dogs, and that practice continued all over the world, and did not remain something unique to Germans.

Temperament

Despite their large appearance and their intimidating face, these are dogs that have a very calm temperament. They are fearless. German Shepherds are very courageous, they are very keen and they are one of the most alert types of dogs available. This one of the reasons they so often work in law enforcement. They are also very confident dogs with a cheerful demeanor and calm, serious personality. They can be very clever, so it’s difficult to trick a German shepherd. Additionally, they are very faithful, loyal, and protective and they are also very brave. You will not find a German shepherd that isn’t willing to do whatever it takes to protect a loved one.

They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, which is what makes them so desirable in the human community. Their protective nature and their beautiful faces make them dogs that people want. However, they are so smart that they are the first choice for law enforcement. If a child is missing, someone is on the run or there is something that needs to be found, it’s a German shepherd that’s going to find someone, catch someone or use its keen sense of smell to locate something.

Something to consider about this type of dog is that it is very loyal. It does not like to be left alone for long periods of time, but it’s not a dog that’s going to bark for no reason. These dogs are very loyal and they will only bark when they feel that it is necessary. Contrary to the belief that German Shepherds are mean dogs that will attack unprovoked, they are actually very obedient and very kind. These are dogs that will not attack unprovoked unless his family is in danger. Additionally, dogs that do attack for no reason are dogs that were raised incorrectly and by those who wish to do harm unto others.

It’s very important for people to understand that allowing this dog to think he is the pack leader in the house is going to cause problems. It must be made aware from day one that it is not the leader of the pack, but a companion to you, the real leader of the pack. When you don’t make sure this happens, dogs can become aggressive, dangerous and they will misbehave tremendously. They are very responsive to those who are natural leaders and those who are gentle but firm. They will not harm a child in your home. However, these dogs must be consistently disciplined or they will begin to feel they are leaders in your household and problems will arise.

German Shepherds are very gentle with people. They are very gentle with children, as well. If their owners are passive, lazy or their owners are not meeting their needs, these dogs can become very skittish. If this happens, they can develop a habit of biting as a form of protection. They are not prone to listening to those they feel they are stronger than, but they are also not good with harsh commands or punishment. They need firm owners with a strong personality and a gentle nature, much like themselves. They are very intelligent dogs that require a significant level of stimulation, and will not do well in a home in which they are not regularly stimulated and treated as intelligent animals.

Size and Exercise

German Shepherds are large dogs that grow, on average, to reach anywhere from 24 to 26 inches tall for males and 22 to 24 inches tall for females. They will not often grow beyond or fall short of this, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. They come in a standard size and people know what to expect from these dogs. German shepherd males and females weigh approximately 77 to 85 pounds. Dogs that weigh more than this are typically being fed too often and/or not being exercised often enough. It’s imperative that you keep your dog well within this healthy range in terms of weight.

To ensure that your German shepherd remains healthy, he needs to be exercised regularly. This includes taking him on long walks, giving him space in which to run around and enjoy himself, and doing something strenuous. Sure, they love to play catch, but they’d much rather train. They need a challenge and do very well on runs and even on a leash as you pedal a bike. It’s strenuous and challenging for them, which is what they require to remain healthy. Your dog is going to need approximately 10 to 15 minutes of your time each day in which he can play catch with a ball or Frisbee. He is going to need to exercise throughout the day to prevent him from becoming restless and agitated.

Health Issues and Living Conditions

The biggest health problem associated with German Shepherds derives from indiscriminate breeding issues. When breeders do not carefully check out dogs with which they want to breed their own, issues such as elbow and hip dysplasia, digestive issues, bloating issues and even epilepsy, eczema, dwarfism and keratitis can occur. Additionally, they can develop flea allergies, blood disorders and even become prone to many forms of cancer, perianal fistulas and Von Willebrand’s disease.

German Shepherds need a lot of space and plenty of room for activity. They do not do well when stuck inside for long periods of time, and they will need to go out multiple times during the day. They are not active indoor dogs, and require a big yard, long walks and plenty of time in which to play. They can become very agitated when stuck indoors for long periods of time, which is something that you don’t want to deal with being that the animal is so large.

Life Expectancy

German Shepherds generally live approximately 13 years when taken care of correctly.

Grooming

Seasonally, the German shepherd is a heavy shedder. However, there are times when the dog will not shed as often. It is still going to shed frequently throughout the day, however, which is something that people should consider when looking at a specific dog to take into their home. German Shepherds should be brushed on a daily basis to prevent excess shedding, and they should only be washed when absolutely necessary. Frequent baths cause these dogs to develop skin irritations that are very difficult for them to live with.

Many of these mixes bring out the best traits of both breeds. For instance, the Golden Shepherd – a mix between a GSD and a Golden Retriever – has the strength and size of a GS with the swimming ability of a Retriever. The Shug – a combination of a GSD and a Pug – is extremely intelligent. These various GS mixes allow you select specific personality traits for your dog, whether you’re looking for a pet or a work animal. While each mix has different personality traits they all share many similarities with pure GSDs.

German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes are known for four key traits. They’re great watch dogs. They’re naturally suspicious of strangers and protective of their owners. They’re powerful search and rescue dogs, too, with an incredibly strong sense of smell. They’re also effective herders – many GSDs even take to watching over the small children of the household. Finally, GSDs are very versatile. Their strength, intelligence and ability to be easily trained make them well-suited for a wide variety of tasks. In fact, they’re the second most popular breed of dog in the world.

Caring For German Shepherd Puppies

Owning a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it also carries with it some responsibility. We hope these notes we have put together will give you some help. If you have any questions concerning any subject relating to your puppy, please do not hesitate to telephone us. It is most important that you completely read the information that is provided to you. The puppy you now own is the result of carefully nurturing the mother and her puppies, raising them on a healthy diet and socialising them in a happy environment until the day arrives when they go to their new homes. We do hope you will continue this work for a happy and healthy puppy.

Before you take your Puppy Home:

You must first puppy proof your yard. Patch up any holes and make sure your fencing is high enough for your puppy not to get out. Your puppy may also dig if he/she gets bored. Have plenty of water available, usually 4-5 containers or buckets should be fine. Sea Shell swimming pools that are sold at either Bunnings, KMart or Big W are a great source of entertainment. Also some floaty toys to put inside as puppies just love water. Plenty of Shade/Shelter. All puppies should have at least 12 toys to start with and they will need to be refreshed with new ones each month until they are out of their chewing stage.

Plants: Please check that your garden is dog friendly. I have placed some plants that are dangerous to dogs on our website but please there are 100’s that can cause everything from skin allergies to death so please go to

Google and check out your plants and weeds to make sure everything is safe.

Taking Your New German Shepherd Puppy Home

On arrival at your home:

* Take your new puppy into your garden or the exercise area you intend using and encourage him/her to sniff the ground

* He/she should be ready to go to the toilet and when your pup does make a big show, congratulating your pup so your pup understands that is where he/she does his business. Your pup has now learnt where the toilet is.

* Watch out for signs of him wanting to go in the future; actions like pacing or standing at the door to the garden, sniffing the ground.

The First night;

* Decide on which room your dog will be sleeping in, usually a place as quite as possible and make he sure he has a nice, warm comfortable bed.

* Your pup has been use to sleeping among other puppies so make lumps under the blanket and scatter some stuffed toys around his bed to make him feel more secure and less lonely. A soft radio in the background may also help. Newspaper should also be placed by the puppy’s bed area to help with overnight accidents until your puppy becomes house trained.

* Settle your pup down just before you go to bed yourself – any activity outside the room once the pup is settled may cause him to try and get your attention.

* Don’t make a major fuss perhaps a treat, tuck him/her in bed and leave the room if the pup cannot sleep next to you.

* If at all possible let your puppy sleep on a warm blanket on the floor next to your bed until he/she settles in. Remembering your puppy is still just a baby and will be looking to you to make him feel secure. They like to feel part of the family as well so please don’t be afraid to spoil them. They will give you so much more in return as they get older.

* Your new puppy may cry at night. Please be patient. He is frightened especially when he cannot see you. Please put yourself in their shoes. They leave their siblings, their environment and their routine they have been use to since the day they were born and you have taken them to their new home, new people and new surroundings all in one day. Then they are expected to sleep on their own. Please be patient and remember your puppy is only 8 weeks old. They can be unsure of the new food you are providing so please try and follow the food guide. For their first night home some BBQ chicken is highly recommended (not the bones just skin and flesh). There is very few dogs that will turn down BBQ chicken and it will just help him settle in. Please check with us concerning which dry food he/she is on. It is preferable you still to the same one. At present we are using Advance Puppy Rehydratable or Blackhawk puppy which is available from pet Shops or online.

About The Author

Nat Berman

Nat is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Uncoached Corporation and all its properties. His primary roles are managing editorial, business development, content development, online acquisitions, and operations.Uncoached began in 2007 with one site and a goal of creating content that was clear, concise, worth reading, entertaining, and useful. Since then the portfolio has grown to 8 properties covering a wide array of verticals including business, personal finance, real estate, architecture, television, movies, entertainment, video games, lifestyle, pets, and more.

PuppyToob.com is your daily resource for the latest dog rescue news, adoption stories, and tips for raising a healthy dog. It's also the most in depth resource for dog breed information. We have detailed profiles on the Bulldog, Cane Corso, French Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Pit Bull, Rottweiller, Tibetan Mastiff, Yorkie Poo, and other popular dog breeds.